KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 7 (Bernama) -- The franchise industry, one of the key sectors in generating the country's economy, is showing promising development at the global-level, according to Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Minister Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin.

He said this was evident with 65 Malaysian franchise brands having a total 4,194 outlets in 65 countries.

He said the acceptance of Malaysian products in foreign markets showed that the sector had a bright future.

"The Ministry through the Franchise Development Division and related agencies, including Perbadanan Nasional Berhad (PNS) has implemented various initiatives to spur the growth of the franchise industry, including promoting them overseas.

"We bring some companies or businesses with potential to ASEAN countries such as Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand to look for prospects there, because the quality of our products (especially food) that we produce is of higher standard than of those countries," he told reporters after the launch of a local franchise restaurant in the federal capital, today.